Ayodeji OlomuAre you a graduate student or a recent graduate looking to take your research skills to the next level? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in research and program management while making a meaningful impact on global development? If so, you’re in luck!
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is offering research awards to talented individuals like you, providing a unique opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your choice, while gaining valuable experience and building your professional network.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the application process and benefits of the IDRC Research Awards, helping you invest in your future and make a difference in the world.
Benefits of IDRC Research Awards
Your decision to apply for an IDRC Research Award can have a transformative impact on your career and personal growth.
Enhance Your Career Prospects
On top of gaining hands-on experience in research and program management, you will also receive valuable skills in grant administration, knowledge creation, and dissemination. This unique combination of skills will make you a highly competitive candidate in the job market, setting you apart from your peers.
Contribute to Global Development
Contribute to the betterment of society by undertaking research that addresses pressing global issues, such as food security, climate change, and sustainable development. Your work will have a direct impact on the lives of people around the world.
Understanding the complexities of global development requires a deep understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape our world. As an IDRC Research Award recipient, you will have the opportunity to probe into these complexities and develop innovative solutions that can drive positive change.
With the support of IDRC, you will be able to conduct research that is both rigorous and relevant, with the potential to inform policy and practice at the local, national, and international levels.
Eligibility Criteria
Assuming you’re interested in applying for the IDRC Research Awards 2024, reviewing the eligibility criteria is vital to ensure you meet the requirements.
Citizenship Requirements
Among the key eligibility criteria is citizenship. A vital aspect is that you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a citizen of a developing country.
Degree Level and Field of Study
Degree holders or students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university are eligible to apply. Degree levels accepted include those who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree within the last three years.
Study areas are not limited to specific fields; your research topic should align with the IDRC’s research priorities. Study areas can range from food security, as seen in Winy Vasquez’s research on the Asháninka peoples, to other areas that contribute to the betterment of developing countries. Ensure your research topic aligns with the IDRC’s goals and objectives.
Application Process and Timeline
One of the most important steps in securing an IDRC Research Award is understanding the application process and timeline. To ensure you don’t miss this incredible opportunity, carefully mark your calendars and follow the guidelines.
To apply for the IDRC International Doctoral Research Awards, you’ll need to create an account on the IDRC Research Awards portal. You can submit your application here, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents.
Deadline for Submission
With the application deadline typically falling in May, planning and allowing sufficient time to gather all required documents and prepare your research proposal is imperative.
What to Expect During the Review Process
Any successful application will undergo a rigorous review process, which may take several months to complete. Your application will be evaluated based on its merit, relevance to IDRC’s thematic priorities, and potential impact during this time.
For instance, the review committee will assess your research proposal’s clarity, coherence, and feasibility, as well as your academic background and experience. They’ll also evaluate how your research aligns with IDRC’s goals and priorities, and how it has the potential to contribute to positive change in developing countries.
Award Details
For those interested in applying for the IDRC Research Awards, here are the key details to consider:
Annual Value and Funding Opportunities
Funding for the IDRC Research Awards is substantial, with recipients receiving a one-year paid program that includes a range of benefits.
For payroll purposes, IDRC awardees are considered full-time non-union employees, with employer contributions to employment insurance, employer health tax, the Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Additionally, some travel and research expenses are supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.
Research Focus Areas and Priorities
Annually, the IDRC Research Awards focus on specific areas of research that align with the centre’s priorities. These areas are designed to address critical global development challenges, and applicants should ensure their research proposals align with these focus areas.
Another important aspect to consider is that the IDRC Research Awards prioritize research that has the potential to make a meaningful impact on development outcomes.
This means that your research proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the development challenges you are addressing and how your research will contribute to solving them. By focusing on these priority areas, you can increase your chances of being selected for the award.
Summing up
Following this overview of the IDRC Research Awards, you now clearly understand the opportunity to invest in your future.
By applying for this award, you can gain valuable research experience, develop your skills in program management, and contribute to creating positive change in developing countries.
With a comprehensive benefits package and travel and research expenses support, this award can be a transformative step in your academic and professional journey. Take the next step and apply for the IDRC Research Awards in 2024 to unlock your full potential.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the IDRC Research Awards in 2024?
The IDRC Research Awards are open to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries who are enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university or have completed a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university within the last three years.
Read Also: Breaking Down the Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology 2024
What is the duration of the IDRC Research Awards program, and what benefits do awardees receive?
The IDRC Research Awards program is a one-year paid program. Awardees receive hands-on experience in research and program management and support, grant administration, and creating and disseminating knowledge from an international perspective.
They are considered full-time non-union employees of IDRC and receive benefits including employer contributions to employment insurance, employer health tax, the Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Additionally, some travel and research expenses are supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.
What kind of research topics are eligible for the IDRC Research Awards?
The IDRC Research Awards support research on various topics. The specific topic areas are not specified, but awardees will research the topic they have submitted as part of their application. Examples of previous research topics include food security in the Amazon, as demonstrated by Winy Vasquez’s research on the food security and nutrition of the Asháninka peoples living inside the Protected Forest San Matias-San Carlos.
Where can I find more information about the IDRC Research Awards, and who should I contact if I have questions?
Complete details about the IDRC Research Awards are available on the IDRC website. If you have questions, you should direct them to IDRC.
What is the annual value of the IDRC Research Awards, and when is the deadline to apply?
The annual value of the IDRC Research Awards is not specified. The deadline to apply is also not specified, but checking the IDRC website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines and award values is recommended.
